Chienge killing: 50 cops deployed

POLICE in Luapula have deployed over 50 officers to Chienge following Monday’s fracas in which Senior Chief Puta’s retainer Peter Muswe, 40, was allegedly murdered by suspected supporters of deposed sub-chieftainess Mwabu Kasenge.

Luapula Province deputy commissioner of police Webby Shula said the police officers have been deployed to Chienge to help maintain law and order.
Mr Shula said in an interview yesterday that police are on alert and have mounted foot patrols to ensure that any form of unruly conduct is detected.
“We are committed to ensuring that lives, as well as property, is protected from any individual who might want to take the law into their own hands,” he said.
Mr Shula said relatives of the late Mr Muswe mobilised and attempted to kill the four people who were arrested in connection with the alleged murder.
Mr Shula said the four suspects, who include an 86-year-old woman, have been moved to Nchelenge for security reasons.
“The public wanted to kill the four for allegedly killing the retainer and that is why we moved them,” Mr Shula said.
He, however, declined to name the suspects for security reasons, saying they will only be named once they have been charged.
Mr Shula said an identification parade will be conducted after which the four will be charged.
“We expect to arrest more people in this matter as investigations continue,” Mr Shula said.
He said out of the five people who were admitted to hospital, four have been discharged while one is in a critical condition at St Paul’s Mission Hospital.
Mr Shula appealed to traditional leaders to avoid taking the law into their own hands but to instead engage stakeholders whenever they are aggrieved.